Dr. Christopher Young appointed County Medical Examiner

VENTURA, Calif. – By a unanimous vote on May 9, the Board of Supervisors concurred with the recommendation of County Executive Officer Mike Powers to appoint Dr. Christopher Young as the County’s new Medical Examiner.

“Dr. Young has a staff of dedicated professionals and we expect him to lead the Medical Examiner’s Office to even higher levels of achievement,” said Powers. “He brings extensive experience in forensic pathology and a compassionate viewpoint that reflects our County’s values.”

Young, 47, currently resides in Oregon where he has served the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office as a forensic pathologist for almost 13 years, most recently as the Deputy State Medical Examiner. He has also served as a forensic pathologist for the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office. A Southern California native, he will relocate to Ventura County over the next several weeks.

His medical degree is from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He earned his undergraduate degree at Pepperdine. Young is certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. He has also taught as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Pathology and has instructed physician residents, detectives and medicolegal death investigators.

“Dr. Young has the right combination of professional, managerial and personnel skills to run this critical office,” said Powers. “His commitment to excellence was evident throughout the recruitment process. His goals of protecting the trust of the community, achieving industry accreditation and operating Ventura County as model Medical Examiner’s institution closely aligns with those of our Board and the County Executive Office.”

Young will begin his official duties as the Ventura County Chief Medical Examiner on July 2, 2017 with an annual salary of $320,000.

“I’m looking forward to working with the talented staff at the Medical Examiner’s Office,” said Young. “A forensic pathologist gives those who have passed a voice. Our efforts will enable the deceased to tell their final story to family, friends, attorneys, doctors and law enforcement.”

The role of the Medical Examiner’s Office is to accurately determine the cause, manner and circumstances of deaths that occur in Ventura County. The office works to identify people who have passed away, and locate and notify next-of-kin in timely and compassionate manner.